Assessment and comparison of root architecture and Morpho-Anatomy of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivars under arid and semi-arid climate.

Abstract

Plants in arid and semi-arid climates face limitations in accessing water resources. In addition, roots have a significant role in water uptake, nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, and mechanical anchoring. Therefore, we conducted a randomized complete block design study with four replications to investigate the root systems of four Quinoa cultivars (Rosada, Black, Titicaca, and Multi-hued Bulk) in arid and semi-arid climates. This research aimed to identify the most efficient cultivars based on their root length, root width, root fresh and dry weight, root density, root surface area, root volume, and shoot length in response to environmental stresses. No significant difference was observed between the Black and Rosada cultivars, but they outperformed the Titicaca and Multi-hued Bulk cultivars regarding root development, showing a better balance of dry matter allocation between the roots and aerial parts. The wavy and large root surface areas were observed in the Rosada cultivar, leading to improved yield. The Rosada and Black cultivars were more efficient (p<0.01) in water absorption compared to the other two studied cultivars based on various critical factors, including root-to-shoot weight ratio (0.09, 0.07), root diameter (0.66, 0.46mm), specific root length (18.6, 32.2cm.g-1), root surface area (42.6, 34.6cm3), root length (16.2, 17.3cm), root penetration and expansion into deeper soil layers (with root width and volume, 13.9, 15.3cm, and 8.3, 5.3cm3, respectively), and root surface area density (32.18, 30.16cm2). Therefore, Rosada and Black cultivars are well-suited for breeding programs in regions with moisture limitations.

Keywords

• abiotic stress
• titicaca
• root fineness
• herringbone roots